America Reads * America Counts

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The America Reads Challenge began as a national initiative in 1997 in response to
the alarming test scores of many 3rd grade readers. President Bill Clinton allocated
extra work-study funds to any college or university that agreed to use at least half
of those funds to pay students to tutor children in literacy skills. Montana State
University signed on right away and began recruiting, training, and placing MSU student
tutors with children in area schools in the fall of 1997. By 1999 the United States
Department of Education expanded the America Reads Program to include math tutoring,
and so was born America Reads*America Counts.

Since starting work in the Bozeman area community in 1997, over 600 college student
work-study and volunteer tutors have served well over 2500 children in area schools
who were struggling with either math or literacy skill development. Today the MSU
America Reads*America Counts program continues to work with and support area children
to achieve and succeed academically.

The America Reads*America Counts program is managed by the MSU Office of Activities
& Engagement.